Razan Al Mubarak Advocates for Nature-Based Solutions at COP16 to Convention on Biological Diversity.

Cali: Razan Khalifa Al Mubarak, President of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and UN Climate Change High-Level Champion for COP28, is leveraging her dual roles to champion effective nature-based solutions at the 16th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP16) to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), held in Cali, Colombia. Al Mubarak emphasized the indispensable role of nature in maintaining biodiversity and promoting global resilience and economic stability.According to Emirates News Agency, the conference, attended by approximately 14,000 delegates, continues through 1st November and marks the first gathering since the landmark COP15 in Canada in December 2022. At COP15, the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework was adopted, setting ambitious targets to halt and reverse nature loss and protect 30% of terrestrial and marine territories. Al Mubarak advocates for integrating the United Nations Rio conventions on biological diversity, climate change, and deserti fication to synchronize conservation efforts, climate mitigation, and adaptation initiatives.Al Mubarak stresses the inclusion of Indigenous Peoples and women in these processes, recognizing their fundamental contributions to crafting effective solutions. She also calls for restructuring financial flows to support rather than exploit nature, focusing on enhancing resilience and adaptation in the Global South. She delivered opening remarks at the High-Level Opening Session of Ocean Day, emphasizing the ocean's centrality in achieving global biodiversity and climate goals.At the COP16 High-Level Segment on Climate Change and Biodiversity, Al Mubarak highlighted the need for synergy between the Rio conventions, advocating for integrated strategies to amplify individual efforts towards holistic global environmental governance. In her keynote at 'Nature-based Solutions in Africa: Unlocking the Potential of Nature Finance', she called for increased investments to bolster economic and environmental resilience ac ross Africa.During the 'Gender Equality for Climate and Conservation Solutions' event, Al Mubarak highlighted the critical role of inclusive strategies, stating that empowering women and involving Indigenous Peoples are essential for crafting effective and sustainable solutions. At the IUCN pavilion's 'Launch of the Red List Campaign', she reminded attendees of the intrinsic value of all species, emphasizing the importance of protecting them for their own sake.Al Mubarak also showcased initiatives by the High-Level Champions for Climate Action, including the Ocean Breakthroughs supported by the Marrakech Partnership under the UNFCCC, and announced additional funding for the Coral Reef Breakthrough to secure the future of 125,000 km² of coral reefs with investments of over US$12 billion. She participated in the 'Synergies between Biodiversity and Climate Change: from Science to Action' high-level ministerial dialogue, which aimed to address challenges in implementing science-based actions benefiting both b iodiversity and climate.Her leadership underscores the critical interplay between nature conservation and climate strategy, advocating for cohesive approaches that integrate environmental protection with sustainable development goals. Al Mubarak's efforts at COP16 highlight the importance of global cooperation to advance environmental and human development agendas.